A coffee shop is making the change from café to Cantina, as it turns to the dark side for its latest initiative.

Bob and Lynne Cowan, co-owners of Coffee Heart in Lowestoft. Picture: David Hannant

Coffee Heart in Lowestoft has looked to a galaxy far, far away for inspiration, as it launches a novel way for people to enjoy a brew.

The café, which also contains a toy shop, is launching Imperial afternoon teas - pre-booked events in which Star Wars fans can enjoy a steam with a Stormtrooper, a coffee with Kylo or a ‘ccino with Chewie.

Starting in November, fans of the film franchise will be able too book a section of the café out for their own Star Wars event, which will see them receive meet and greets with characters and take photographs while they have their tea.

They will also receive Star Wars-themed snacks such as ‘Ham Solo’ sandwiches and ‘Wookie’ cookies - among others.

The afternoons are the brainchild of Coffee Heart co-owner Bob Cowan, who has been a fan of the franchise ever since it landed on the big screen in 1977.

He said: “Star Wars has always been a big thing for me, since I was young, and has also become a big part of what we do.

“We originally began by doing special events for Star Wars Day - May the Fourth - which we have done the last four years which have always been well received.”

With the latest instalment of the franchise - The Last Jedi - scheduled for release in December, the timing felt perfect for the shop to launch this initiative.

Mr Cowan, 51, added: “We recently attended NorCon in Norwich and had a great response for the idea and with the new film coming out there’s a lot of buzz and excitement around Star Wars at the minute.

“We have seen similar things done around Harry Potter, so we thought it was about time there was also one for Star Wars.

“It’s just a bit of fun really and a nice way for somebody to do something different, whether it’s for a special occasion or just for the sake of it.”

Mr Cowan added that if the events take off, they will also look at branching out into children’s parties and other similar functions.

The events do not come without a price though - an Imperial Afternoon Tea costs £15 per head, last for one hour and must be attended by a minimum of two people.